The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, inaugurated the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, focusing on the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) progress and its commitment to deepening partnerships with both traditional and new stakeholders under the theme, “Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.”

In his address, Adeniyi underscored the significance of convening in Abuja, a city he described as embodying “unity in diversity,” aligning with the Customs Service’s mission to foster collaborative efforts in trade and security. He highlighted the progress made since the “Continental Declaration of 2023,” a transformative commitment set last year to advance NCS’s operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.

A key milestone celebrated at the conference was the achievement of NCS’s 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion, which was surpassed on November 12, reaching over NGN 5.08 trillion. Adeniyi credited this achievement to strengthened partnerships, strategic modernization, and an enhanced focus on transparency and efficiency. This accomplishment, projected to exceed the target by 10%, reaffirms the positive impact of stakeholder collaboration and modernization on Nigeria’s trade environment.

Adeniyi also celebrated NCS’s improvement in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings, leaping 33 places to become one of the top five agencies in trade facilitation. He attributed this progress to reforms such as the one-stop cargo alert system, 24-hour cargo clearance at major ports, and the deployment of non-intrusive inspection equipment. Moreover, the Service’s enhanced support for exporters and SMEs garnered international recognition, culminating in Nigeria’s first shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

During his remarks, Adeniyi reflected on the challenges faced by NCS, particularly high turnover in leadership, with a projected 76% change in management composition expected by year-end. In response, NCS has implemented a Human Resource Development Plan, accelerating career progression opportunities and investing in talent through the establishment of a Customs University. This initiative aligns with the World Customs Organization’s focus on youth leadership and prepares NCS for long-term stability.

The conference will continue with sessions exploring strategies to further enhance revenue collection, streamline trade facilitation, and strengthen compliance.

Adeniyi concluded by extending gratitude to the government, traditional and new partners, and NCS officers, acknowledging their contributions toward NCS’s achievements. The conference will close with an Awards Night on Friday, honoring outstanding NCS officers and celebrating the Service’s commitment to excellence amidst challenges.

The 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference reaffirms NCS’s commitment to building a modern customs administration focused on transparency, trade facilitation, and collaborative security, setting a robust foundation for continued progress in Nigeria’s economic development.